Rearview Camera - Going Dark

[Triton46]

My backup camera got darker and darker one day while backing up. It never went so dark that I could not see in back, it was dark but I could see the outline of objects. I switched out of reverse and then back to reverse and it was back to normal. This has happened twice. Neither time was the camera facing the sun, but it got me wondering, does the OEM camera have a feature to darken when light is shining directly in it? Maybe that is the part of the camera that is malfunctioning.

Anyone else have this happen?

 

[RedBaron]

It would be nice, but no the camera doesn't darken itself. At least mine doesn't.

Have you had the 2013 Camera recall done? Could be yours has water in it and is degrading (?)

 

[CX-SV]

^ 2013 camera recall? This service bulletin?

Service Bulletin No.: 09-016/14
Component(s): BACK OVER PREVENTION NHTSA ID Number: 10055503


Manufacturer: Mazda Motor Corp.

SUMMARY:
SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE INOPERATIVE REAR MOUNT CAMERA. DUE TO WATERING ENTERING THE CAMERA FROM A HIGH PRESSURE CAR WASH. 06/04/14*LJ

 

[RedBaron]

Correct - I should've said TSB, not recall.

 

[Triton46]

Thanks. I had not seen that, sounds like it could be my issue as I do have the car washed at a touchless wash in the winter months.